Living with Diabetes
Your Guide to Feeling Your Best, Every Day
If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. With the right care plan, tools, and everyday habits, you can take charge of your health and live a full, active life.
At Good Neighbors Family Pharmacy, we’re more than your local pharmacy—we’re your partner in managing diabetes with confidence and compassion. Let’s walk through what you need to know and how we can help.
Contact us with any questions, we’re here to help!
What Is Diabetes?
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects how your body uses blood sugar (glucose). It occurs when your body either doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use it properly.
There are three main types:
- Type 1 Diabetes – an autoimmune condition where the body doesn’t produce insulin. Typically diagnosed in children or young adults.
- Type 2 Diabetes – the most common form, where the body doesn’t use insulin effectively. Often linked to lifestyle and genetics.
- Gestational Diabetes – occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after childbirth but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
Without proper management, diabetes can lead to complications affecting your heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves.
Why It Matters
Even if you feel okay, unmanaged diabetes can silently cause serious health issues over time. Keeping your blood sugar in a healthy range helps you feel better day-to-day and protects your long-term health.
The good news? With the right support and small changes, many people with diabetes live long, healthy lives.
Signs, Symptoms, and Risk Factors
Common Symptoms:
- Increased thirst or hunger
- Frequent urination
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing wounds
- Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
Risk Factors:
- Family history of diabetes
- Overweight or obesity
- Inactivity
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Gestational diabetes history
Some people—especially with type 2 diabetes—may not notice symptoms at first. That’s why routine checkups and lab tests are essential.
Everyday Management Tips
Managing diabetes is about creating a balance that works for your life. These tips can help:
Eat with Purpose
- Focus on whole foods: vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains.
- Monitor your carbohydrate intake.
- Avoid sugary drinks and limit processed foods.
- Ask us for nutrition resources or meal planning tools.
Stay Active
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of movement most days.
- Walking, swimming, or light strength training can help control blood sugar.
Check Your Blood Sugar
- Use a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) as directed.
- Keep a daily log to track trends and learn what affects your numbers.
- Ask us for help reading your results.
Take Your Medications
- Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly.
- Store insulin properly if you use it.
- Talk to us if you notice side effects or have trouble remembering doses.
Protect Your Feet and Eyes
- Check your feet daily for cuts or swelling.
- Schedule regular eye exams and let your eye doctor know you have diabetes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) requires fast-acting carbs like juice or glucose tablets. High blood sugar may need medication adjustment or medical attention. Ask us how to handle these situations safely.
Not necessarily. With proper planning, small amounts of sugar can fit into a balanced diet. The key is consistency and portion control.
It depends on your treatment plan. Some people check multiple times a day, while others check once a day or a few times per week. We can help you find the right schedule.
Some people with type 2 diabetes can achieve remission through lifestyle changes, but it’s important to continue monitoring and working with your care team.
Free Tools & Resources
• The Diabetes Plate Method
The Diabetes Plate is the easiest way to create healthy low-carb meals that can help you manage your blood glucose (blood sugar). Using the Diabetes Plate, you can create a meal with a healthy balance of vegetables, protein, and carbs—without any counting, calculating, weighing, or measuring. All you need is a plate!
• Blood Sugar Tracking Log
Tracking your blood sugar regularly can help you understand how different factors like food, exercise, and medication impact your blood sugar levels, enabling you to make informed decisions about your lifestyle and treatment plan. By tracking blood sugar readings, you can identify patterns, adjust your care plan with the guidance of your healthcare team, and work towards achieving your target blood sugar ranges.
• Easy Food Swap Guide
This easy to use guide offers simple, smart substitutions—like choosing whole grains over white bread or swapping sugary snacks for fiber-rich options. These small changes can help stabilize blood sugar while still keeping your meals satisfying and flavorful. Download the guide to start making healthier choices today.